Roberts Fired (Hoppy Endings, pre Sim 20) [PP:2057.13]

[neugey]

The leash, which felt like it was so long that it ran all the way around the block, finally ran out. Pitching coach Peter Roberts was dismissed after guiding the very dismal pitching performance over the last two seasons for the Jackrabbits. In 2056 the team compiled a sad 5.31 team ERA and this year that number grew to 5.58. Despite Roberts' tenure as pitching coach with Edmonton since 2039 and his success in the past, something had to give.

Taking his place will be promising AA pitching coach Paco Viera. Viera has been working with the young promising pitchers that Edmonton has been developing anyway. He has an excellent reputation, while Roberts' has gone sour in a hurry. So the decision for GM Mike Bauer was a no-brainer.

"We thank Peter for his great service to our organization and hope he prospers in whatever he chooses next," said Bauer today. "That said, it's time to start a new chapter. We're optimistic that Viera can help our young pitchers and start to get things on track. We're simply in no position to win anything the way we have been pitching the last two years. That will need to improve in 2058 and beyond, and we fully expect it to improve based on the young pitching we've worked hard to develop and acquire. No one is more upset with our current 43-76 record than I am. We are going to take the hard steps to climb out of this hole."